Apl 30, 2025
Road to Expo 2025 EXPO and Exhibitors NO.5 Source: Daisho (OCCI) News dated March 10th
Ryotaro Nohmura – Founder of Taiyo Kogyo Corporation

Ryotaro Nohmura – Founder of Taiyo Kogyo Corporation In 1946, soon after World WWⅡ, Ryotaro Nohmura started manufacturing and selling rucksacks (knapsacks) for shopping with a single sewing machine and a pair of scissors. He gained credibility by manufacturing hatch covers and repairing tents ordered by the American Occupation forces, while maintaining thorough quality control and strict adherence to deadlines. He laid the foundation for the development of the business.

Aiming to become more than merely a subcontractor but an integrated manufacturer that handles everything from manufacturing to sales and maintenance, the company worked to develop technologies for sheets, tents, and large membrane structures without relying on others.

The springboard for the company's global expansion came at the Expo’70 held in Osaka. More than 90% of the membrane structures used in the pavilions were constructed by the company.

The medium-sized company from Osaka became famous throughout the world for its diverse membrane structures that revolutionized the conventional concept of tent construction, including pavilions such as the U.S. Pavilion and the Telecommunication Pavilion, and a retractable shelter known as the Mush Balloon.

The success of the Expo led to a boom in the construction of large domes in the U.S. and the birth of the Tokyo Dome and Kansai International Airport in Japan. Founder Ryotaro Nohmura's visionary spirit and tireless efforts in technological development led to the blooming of tents all over the world.

Right: Ryotaro Nohmura – Founder of Taiyo Kogyo Corporation
Right: The U.S. Pavilion (Expo’70)
Left: Telecommunication Pavilion (Expo’70)
Photo courtesy of Taiyo Kogyo Corp.